Global Experts Unite To Combat Dwindling Subsoil Water Crisis: Punjab And California Forge Way Forward

Mar30,2025 | Gautam Jalandhari | Chandigarh

• PSFC Chairman and experts discuss strategies on water recharge

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30:

In a significant initiative to address the critical challenge of subsoil water depletion, a team from California State University, Fresno, brainstormed with Punjab’s agricultural experts to devise sustainable solutions. The high-profile delegation, headed by Dr. Sharon Elizabeth Benes and Dr. Gurreet Singh Brar along with six undergraduate and Masters’ students engaged in strategic discussions with the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission (PSFC), stressing the urgent need for collaborative action.

With Punjab and California both have been struggling with water scarcity, which is posing serious challenges to farming and livestock economy- the meeting served as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange.

Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of PSFC, elaborated the Agriculture Policy for the state and discussed strategies with the visiting team for water recharge, while Sh. Rajesh Vashisht, former Director of Agriculture presented data on declining groundwater levels and proposed science-backed recharge strategies.

Dr. Brar, a distinguished scientist, set the tone with a compelling presentation on the future of farming amid dwindling water resources, drawing stark parallels between the two regions.

Dr. Benes shared California’s experiences, reinforcing the global nature of the crisis and the importance of shared solutions.

Dr. Gurkanwal Singh, former Director of Horticulture and key policy architect urged the global scientific community to unite in making agriculture more resilient and sustainable. Experts Dr. Ranjodh Singh Bains and Sh. Manavpreet Singh further enriched the dialogue by discussing actionable policy measures from Punjab’s draft agricultural framework.

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